4 Reasons PostgreSQL was Named Database Management System of the Year 2020

EDB is pleased to note that PostgreSQL has been named Database Management System of the Year 2020 by DB-Engines! PostgreSQL is the only database to have received this prestigious award three times based on PostgreSQL worldwide popularity.

But wait, you've been told "relational" databases are dead, right? So what's happening? According to DB-Engines, *all* of the other major relational databases are in decline. That's right. MySQL, SQLServer, Oracle, and DB2 have all been in slow but steady decline over many years.

And yet through it all, PostgreSQL continues to grow. DB-Engines data shows PostgreSQL is growing significantly faster than would-be rivals MongoDB and Redis.

A few reasons…

1. PostgreSQL isn't just a relational database. PostgreSQL invented many post-relational concepts like in-database functions and user defined datatypes. PostgreSQL uses these features to provide a wide array (or maybe just a list?) of additional datatypes: JSON, XML, arrays, row types, full text, time series, recursive graph queries, and GIS datatypes. So yes, relational systems aren't the only type of data in the modern world, but PostgreSQL caters for both the old and the new. Crucially, it supports different types of data in the same data tables, at the same time. And you can write queries that refer to all of the different types of data at the same time too! Totally integrated data storage and access—a truly multi-model database.
2. PostgreSQL's speed, security and robustness make it suitable for 99% of applications, so it's a great starting place for any application. Maybe, just maybe, other systems have some other magic you need. But almost certainly, PostgreSQL, the “World's Most Advanced Open Source Database” has everything you need already.
3. PostgreSQL uses standard SQL. So you can quickly start using it if you have skills in other databases. SQL's power makes software development easier for both operational systems and analytics. You don't need to use one language for one database and a different language for the next system.
4. PostgreSQL is easier to migrate to. Many Oracle users are moving to it. And those with more complex migration challenges use the EDB tools to begin their journey more quickly and cheaply towards PostgreSQL.

EDB is proud to have more contributors to PostgreSQL than any other company. Together, the PostgreSQL community produces a quality product with stability and security, while the Postgres ecosystem provides additional tools and facilities around it.